Credits: Manila Standard
Manila, Philippines – Kapamilya actress Maris Racal confirmed on Friday that she and her boyfriend, singer-composer Rico Blanco, have broken up.
“Rico and I are over,” Racal emotionally revealed during the Star Magic Spotlight event when asked about balancing her personal life and her career, particularly her on-screen partnership with Anthony Jennings in “Can’t Buy Me Love.”
In videos posted online, the “Marupok AF” actress was seen getting emotional when questioned about Rico. “Ang dami kasing tanong and I’m tired of smiling and nodding,” she said. “I’m so scared ‘cause if I announce it, then it’s real. But yeah, Rico and I are over.”
Racal disclosed that the separation occurred a few weeks ago, describing this period as the “loneliest, emptiest weeks I’ve ever experienced in my life.”
She shared that her five-year relationship with Blanco was filled with love, laughter, and music. “Rico and I, our universe was so beautiful. It was so full of love, laughter, music, everything,” Racal said. “Sa five years namin together, we were always on the same page. Always on the same page. But I don’t know what happened to me. Maybe I turned to the next page and saw a new perspective sa life.”
Racal admitted she is undergoing significant changes in her life, which she communicated to Rico. “He took it like a man. It was a very difficult talk ‘cause I love him so much,” she said. “But I have so many questions about my life and how will I go on sa buhay with him.”
Despite the emotional strain, Racal described their separation as “very polite.” She emphasized that their relationship remained loving and understanding until the very end. “It was a very difficult talk because I love him so much. I love him and he loves me din, but I have so many questions about my life and how will I go on sa buhay with him. I have so many questions about me, my sense of self that was so difficult. But it was very polite separation,” she said.
Addressing rumors, Racal clarified that her on-screen partner Jennings had no part in the breakup. “It’s mainly me and Rico. Mainly me, I’m the issue,” she asserted.
Racal asked the public for understanding as she and Blanco navigate this new chapter in their lives. “This is the only time I ever talk about it. And I humbly ask the public to look at us, Rico and I, with understanding and love because we are both grieving. Hindi naman mako-control ‘yung mga opinion ng mga tao, but please don’t direct your hate towards Rico, because he’s too precious for that. If guys want to throw so much, I am ready to take them,” she said.